"A Good Citizens League was organized in Mexico Friday afternoon which will be extended throughout Au-drain County for the purpose of safe guarding the interests of the people in the present local option fight as well as to any future of those interested in the betterment of the county many see fit to push. John W. Million was elected president; C.Clark, vice president; L.M. White, secretary. The finance committee is composed of S.P. Emmons, chairman and treasurer with C.B. Buckner and Frank Parker as members from Salt River Township. A member from every township in the county will soon be appointed. The membership papers were circulated early Saturday in this city and before noon were well filled with the names of interested citizens. Each member agrees to pay his proportionate part in the expense of the body."

50 Years Ago

"Four meetings have been schedule for Audrain County farmers to explain the details of the new federal wheat program on which wheat growers will vote May 21. The first will be May 1 at the community room of the courthouse. State ASC officials will attend that meeting and as many farmers as possible are being urged to attend. Other instruction meetings are scheduled for May 2 at Community R-6 High School, May 7 at the Centralia R-6 High School and May 9 at the VFW Hall in Vandalia. Farmers and their wives are urged to attend at least one meeting. Wives are eligible to vote if the farm is owned jointly or if a lease is held jointly. The ASC office mailed acreage allotments today to 1,827 farm operators. Wheat allotments total 15,712 acres, but the actual effective acreage will be 25,110, due to new growers who are getting allotments. The Audrain County average yield, which will be used in figuring support payments, is 31.8 bushels per acre. Farmers who raise less than 15 acres of wheat will be eligible to vote only if they register by May 13 by signing their intention to participate in the 1964 program as an allotment grower. They will do this by signing in the space on the back of the regular allotment notice and filing it with the ASC office."

25 Years Ago

"The United Credit Union held its 53rd annual meeting Thursday evening at the Empire Club in Mexico. Chairman of the Board Larry F. Weber said 1987 was one of the best years in the history of the credit union. He reported that membership increased by nearly 1,200 new members for a total membership of 4,484, and that loans increased 96 percent from $4.7 million in 1986 to $9.3 million last year. Mr. Weber also reported that United Credit Union assets increased 9 percent to about $13.04 million in 1987. During the year, Mid-Missouri Refractories Credit Union of Vandalia was merged into United Credit Union, and 'has proven mutually beneficial for all members,' said Mr. Weber. United Credit Union now has 10 full-time employees. 'Our outstanding year in 1987 has made United the fastest growing financial institution in Audrain County,' noted Mr. Weber. 'Our goal is to be the primary financial institution for our members. We have an excellent staff headed by President David Penn and feel we are well-positioned to have excellent, controlled growth in the future.' Mr. Penn said United Credit Union assets have more than doubled in the past 10 years. In 1983, assets were $7.5 million. In 1978, assets were $5.2 million, and in 1968, assets were $1.9 million."

Page 2 of 2 - 10 Years Ago

"Joined by local and elected officials, U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-Mo.) was in Mexico on Friday to promote biodiesel fuel and to discuss federal legislation designed to increase usage. 'Biodiesel is important, especially considering what's going on in the Middle East,' Hulshof told the group of attendees at the MFA Oil Plant in Mexico. Hulshof later pumped a ceremonial 'first gallon' of biodiesel into a City of Mexico truck. 'It lessens our dependence on foreign oil, it is environmentally friendly and it serves as a value-added opportunity for Missouri's farmers,' Hulshof stated. Hulshof also commended the City of Mexico for its decision to use biodiesel fuels in the city's diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. Mexico currently uses a 20 percent blend of SoyPlus fueling 15 of the City's 55 vehicles. Biodesel is a cleaner-burning diesel replacement fuel made from sources such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats, according to the Alternative Fuels Data Center. Blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel (mixed with petroleum diesel fuels) can be used in nearly all diesel equipment and do not require engine modifications. The Environmental Protection Agency also notes that biodiesel produces fewer pollutants than conventional diesel fuel."

The Yesterday In Mexico column is published daily in The Mexico Ledger.